
On May 8, 2025, China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced a proposal to formally establish this role, reflecting the growing demand for specialized skills and the rapid development of the low-altitude economy.
In recent years, the low-altitude economy has gained significant momentum in China, particularly in the drone industry, which has seen expansive commercialization across diverse scenarios. This growth has spurred demand for emerging professions, with drone swarm flight planners being a prominent example.
The core responsibilities of drone swarm flight planners include designing flight routes, formulating operational plans, managing on-site operations, and handling emergencies for drone swarms. Their expertise is critical in fields such as aerial drone performances, urban governance, and emergency rescue missions. The role requires integrating technologies like 3D modeling, real-time communication, and swarm algorithms to achieve precise coordination of large-scale drone formations through script programming, path planning, and real-time monitoring.
According to industry reports, China's drone market reached RMB 173.7 billion (USD 24 billion) in 2024 and is projected to exceed RMB 600 billion (USD 82.8 billion) by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 30%. As of March 2025, approximately 600 vocational colleges nationwide offer specialized courses in drone technology and applications.
